how many wires allowed in bored holes

[cerveza247]

i recently had a dispute with a so called self employed contractor who insist that u can only run 2 current carrying conductors in a bored hole in 2x4 studs regardless the size of the hole either being 2 12-2 or 1 12-3 romex.funny thing is he cant find that code in the code book and i have worked 4 a few contractors where we have ran numerous cables in the same hole, has any one ever heard of this before and if so what article in the code book,cause this guy is drilling 12 holes in a wall to run 17 wires,talk about swiss cheese.

 

[jimwalker]

Re: how many wires allowed in bored holes

He most likely thinks this is bundling.While it is rather tight for 1 1/2 inches it is no violation.Now if we were to take tie wraps and keep them tight together then we have a violation.
Point out to him that unless this is for over 2 feet and they are not tight to each other that there is no problem.What he is doing might weaken the 2 x 4

 

[cerveza247]

Re: how many wires allowed in bored holes

thanx jim that is exactly what i was taught,any more response's or proof on this would be helpful since i'am going to print this and show him.thanx again.

 

[hurk27]

Re: how many wires allowed in bored holes

Something else to consider when doing this:

300.4(A)(1) You must maintain 1 1/4" from the face of the stud or you have to install a nail plate.

If you have a 3.5" stud this only leaves you with a 1" hole that will keep the wire 1.25 from the face of the stud. and it has to be dead center.

I almost forgot:

310.15(B)(2) Adjustment Factors.
(a) More Than Three Current-Carrying Conductors in a Raceway or Cable. Where the number of current-carrying conductors in a raceway or cable exceeds three, or where single conductors or multiconductor cables are stacked or bundled longer than 600 mm (24 in.) without maintaining spacing and are not installed in raceways , the allowable ampacity of each conductor shall be reduced as shown in Table 310.15(B)(2)(a).
FPN: See Annex B, Table B.310.11, for adjustment factors for more than three current-carrying conductors in a raceway or cable with load diversity.

[ February 04, 2004, 01:13 AM: Message edited by: hurk27 ]